In the Earth
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In the Earth
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that In the Earth is a sci-fi/horror movie that was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic and uses a global pandemic as part of its story. The movie is strange, unsettling, and vague but interesting, though it's also quite gory. A character slices open his foot; it's stitched up, then toes are hacked off, and the wound is cauterized. There's also a bloody head wound, eye-stabbing, a man striking a woman and knocking her out cold, a bow and arrows, and plenty of surreal, shocking footage. Language includes uses of "f--k" and "s--t," as well as exclamatory use of "Jesus Christ" and "oh my God." A character smokes cigarettes, and another character is forced to swallow an unnamed pill.
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What's the Story?
In IN THE EARTH, the planet is in the grips of a deadly pandemic in the near future. Scientist Martin (Joel Fry) leaves a long, isolated lockdown to venture out into the woods to find his former lover, Dr. Olivia Wendle (Hayley Squires), who's said to have disappeared. His guide is Alma (Ellora Torchia), who's far more rugged and outdoorsy than Martin. Before they leave, Martin learns about a spirit of the woods called Parnag Fegg. On their first morning after camping out, they awaken to find their boots stolen, and it's not long before Martin cuts the bottom of his foot open. Then out of nowhere comes Zach (Reece Shearsmith), who claims to be illegally living in the woods and offers his help. Zach seems nice enough, but things are about to get very strange.
Is It Any Good?
More unsettling weirdness from director Ben Wheatley, this sci-fi/horror film is both enigmatic and brutally relevant. Filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it digs furiously into its consequences. But In the Earth can be as frustrating as it is fascinating. It's a little short on conveying certain information, and it's not exactly a movie about characters you can love. Still, it cuts deeply into nightmarish territory that's both alien and sadly familiar, and it broaches topical themes without being preachy or intellectual. Wheatley -- perhaps best known for his cult hit Kill List (2011) -- shot the movie in just 15 days, mostly outdoors (or with characters wearing masks on-screen), in a way that feels innovative without drawing attention to itself.
This extends to the characters. One lies about having exercised while in lockdown and is quite weak when asked to physically exert himself, while another apologies for her awkwardness, not having spoken to another human in months. The monster mythology created for the story doesn't go very far, and it could actually be something of a stand-in for the coronavirus. Meanwhile, themes of nature vs. technology are also here -- and still relevant. In the end, the shocks and gore tend to outweigh whatever else Wheatley was trying for, but In the Earth is still impressive enough to make it worth a look for brave viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about In the Earth's violence. How much is shown? How would you describe its impact? How much comes in the form of threats or danger, rather than physical violence?
Is the movie scary? What's the appeal of scary movies? Do blood and gore make a movie scarier?
How do you think the director filmed during the pandemic and kept his cast and crew safe? With this movie, what do you think he's trying to say about the pandemic and humans?
Zach tries to use "natural" ways to communicate with the spirit of the woods, while Olivia uses technology. Is either of them "right"? Which way would you choose? Would you choose another way?
How is smoking depicted here? Is it glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 16, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: April 22, 2021
- Cast: Joel Fry, Ellora Torchia, Reece Shearsmith
- Director: Ben Wheatley
- Studio: Neon
- Genre: Horror
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: strong violent content, grisly images, and language
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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